With Above Normal Temps, Soybean And Corn Harvests Progress

Oct 31, 2017

Temperatures averaged four to eight degrees above normal across Nebraska, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service for the week ending October 22. Only minimal precipitation was recorded in the northwest and a few eastern counties, which allowed farmers to take advantage of the open week to make significant harvest progress.

Corn condition rated 3% very poor, 8% poor, 23% fair, 46% good, and 20% excellent. About 97% of the corn crop was mature, near 99% last year, and equal to the five-year average. Harvest was 26% complete, well behind 48% last year and the average of 52%.

Soybean condition rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 26% fair, 50% good, and 14% excellent. Soybeans harvest was 67% complete, behind 76% last year and the five-year average of 83%.

Winter wheat condition rated 3% very poor, 10% poor, 33% fair, 45% good, and 9% excellent. Winter wheat planting was 94% complete, behind 100% last year, and near the average of 98%. Emerged was 77%, behind 93% last year and the average of 82%.

Sorghum condition rated 3% very poor, 2% poor, 20% fair, 53% good, and 22% excellent. Ninety-six percent of the crop was mature, near 100% last year and the average of 98%. Harvested was 34%, well behind 65% last year, and behind the average of 51%.

Alfalfa fourth cutting was 93% complete, ahead of 88% last year.

Dry edible beans harvested was 84%.

Proso millet harvested was 84%, behind 97% last year.

Pasture and range conditions rated 2% very poor, 11% poor, 43% fair, 39% good, and 5% excellent.

Source: unl.edu

Video: How a Desire to Lead Brought This Wheat Breeder to Canada

Gurcharn Singh Brar is a wheat breeder whose path meandered from the breadbaskets of Punjab, India, to the sprawling fields of the Prairies. In a candid conversation, Brar shared insights into his journey, the challenges faced, and the undying passion that fuels his quest for better crops.

It all began with a childhood rooted in the wheat fields of Punjab, where agriculture isn’t just a livelihood but a way of life. His fascination with wheat and its potential led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences at Punjab Agricultural University. It was during this time that he encountered the spectre of rust diseases, particularly stripe rust, which plagued the region’s wheat crops. Determined to combat this menace, he set his sights on a journey that would take him across continents.

Venturing abroad for his graduate studies, he found himself in Saskatchewan at the Crop Development Centre (CDC), working under the mentorship of renowned researchers like Randy Kutcher and Pierre Hucl. Here, he delved deep into the world of wheat genetics, focusing on stripe rust resistance — a quest that would shape his academic pursuits for years to come.

After completing his master’s and Ph.D. in six and a half years, he embarked on a professional journey that would see him traverse academia and research. From brief stints as a research officer to landing his dream faculty position at the University of British Columbia’s Plant Science program, his career trajectory was marked by a strong drive to make a difference in the world of wheat.

Despite the allure of British Columbia’s unique agricultural landscape, he found himself wanting to return to the vast expanses of the Prairies, where wheat reigns supreme. He recently returned to the Prairies and is the new wheat breeder at the University of Alberta in Edmonton.

“The opportunity to lead an established wheat breeding program at the University of Alberta was a dream come true. With the necessary resources and infrastructure in place, I’m excited to drive innovation and develop high-yielding wheat varieties tailored to the unique conditions of northern Canada,” he says.

Brar, one of Seed World Canada‘s 2024 Next-Gen Leaders, has become known for identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and his efforts in developing wheat germplasm with multiple disease-resistant traits.

In addition to his groundbreaking research, Brar is committed to mentoring the next generation of agricultural scientists.

“I believe in nurturing talent and empowering students to pursue their passions,” he says. “Watching my students grow and thrive in their research endeavours is hugely rewarding.”

As he looks ahead, Brar’s vision for the future of wheat breeding is clear: “My number one target is to develop high-yielding wheat varieties adapted to the northern climates of Canada. By focusing on early maturity and strong straw traits, we can maximize yield potential while ensuring resilience to environmental challenges.”

His decision to also join the Prairie Recommending Committee for Wheat, Rye, and Triticale (PGDC) executive as member-at-large came from a desire to play an even more important role in the world of Canadian cereals.